Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

72

DRAMA & MUSIC

STRING ENSEMBLE Every Thursday, the String Ensemble meets from 4:15 to 5:00, just after Orchestra, to rehearse classical and contemporary pieces under the direction of Miss Foster. This group affords string players the opportunity to further develop their playing skills, as well as sightreading and coordination within a group. This year, String Ensemble has seen an exciting increase in the number of junior pupils attending. They bring lots of enthusiasm to the group, while senior pupils are able to pass on their guidance and knowledge, as well as develop their leadership skills. We have rehearsed a variety of pieces over the course of the year, such as ‘Londonderry Air’, ‘Ashokan Farewell’, and ‘Yesterday’ by The Beatles, amongst others. For this year’s 80 th Anniversary Spring Concert in the Ulster Hall, the String Ensemble performed two iconic pieces, ‘Palladio’ and ‘The Swan from Carnival of the Animals’, with a beautiful cello solo from Katie Smyth (Year 12) in the latter. Having the experience of performing in such a venue is such an incredible memory, as well as being able to share it with friends. It has been an honour to be able to lead this group in my final year at the school. String Ensemble allows pupils to build their confidence as well as hone their technique, meet new people and unwind after a long day of school, so if you play a string instrument and aren’t yet involved in the group, I will strongly recommend it. A special thanks must go to Miss Foster, whose expert guidance and methodical organisation make the group what it is today. Eva Royal 14TG2

GENTS’ CHOIR This year marked the warmly welcomed reintroduction of the Gents’ Choir to the Music Department. Rehearsals took place on Wednesday mornings before registration, with additional sessions occasionally held during Chamber Choir rehearsals when the male and female voices worked separately on their respective pieces. The choir had the pleasure of performing a beautiful arrangement of a traditional carol, namely, ‘The Three Kings’ by Peter Cornelius, arranged by Ivor Atkins with Joseph Rainey Year 14 as soloist and accompanied by the String Quartet, comprising of Beth Walker and Charlotte Strange Year 13, Katie Smyth and Neve Calderwood, Year 12. The performance at the Carol Service in St Anne’s Cathedral was met with exceptional praise from those attending in the audience. It was a particular highlight of the evening, especially given the length of time since Grosvenor last had a dedicated Gents’ Choir. At the Spring Concert, the choir had the opportunity to truly showcase its vocal capabilities. ‘Nearer, My God, to Thee’ is a demanding eight-part arrangement, and with only one or two singers per part, the performance required considerable skill and confidence. Special mention must go to our four outstanding soloists, Joseph Rainey (14TG4) Oliver Gray (13TG6) Gabriel Carson (13TG6) and Kaeden Curran (12S), whose performances were marked by remarkable musicality and precision. This piece was, without doubt, a personal highlight of my musical year, and I look forward with great anticipation to what the Gents’ Choir will explore in the year ahead. Daniel Major 14TG6

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25